A Caged Bird

Shinpei Shizukana Status: Dead Currently affiliated with Flatline Syndicate "Some birds are just meant to be caged..."

[flatlinesyndicate]

Strings of Fate

Tousen’s party…. could have gone better. The motive, the forbidden actions, the threat of the experiment were all proven to be real and very much still going at full force. Modegi was dead, but the experiment was still being conducted as if things didn’t change. No matter what the reason was, the students found themselves not having much time to think about it - whether they were trying to avoid getting zapped, or helping out those who violated their action.

This continued until the second morning after the party debuted. Everyone woke up to a loud banging at their bedroom door.

Bang! Bang! “Come quick! Somethin’ happened!” Bang!

Keep reading

[hashiiba-blog]

chtwo | falter/alter | yuudai & shinpei

[cagedbyrd]

Good, he remembered him. Bad, on the other hand, was how Shinpei was already practically declaring his vassalage to him as if they were retainer and liege. There was still the possibility that this kind of attitude was how they got into the mess that was the last trial, and if they had barely initiated the conversation and this was happening, who knows who could take advantage of this?

“Thanks, but I’m fine on my own! Probably. Probably.”

One too many ‘probably’s to actually sound convincing.

“The only thing I want you to do is whatever YOU want to do! …And I’m vaguely hoping that’s indulging me for a little, but that’s neither there nor there. But is there a reason you think I need help? Do people only come to you when they need help?”

He vaguely was interested; could this be connected to his talent? Though… he supposes the other can’t be a secretary of any sort if he truly can’t write or read.

He waits for the other to finish his thought and raises an eyebrow when no sound comes out. Eventually, his mouth closes, and Yuudai takes this as his cue to respond.

“Really? Well, I envy you if you can roll with the punches that well. I can’t imagine being in your position. You’re a strong person then, yeah?”

Hmm… he probably was being a little too strong with compliments. He contemplates if he should try and take back what he said –but the damage had already been done he supposes.

There it was again. Someone telling him to do whatever it is he wants to do. Has Shinpei failed to make it clear? The boy just wants to be useful to others! Is that... not good enough for them?

The boy’s fingers were picking at the end of the scarf until he received an unexpected compliment.

“Envy...? I’m... strong?”

Shinpei was honestly stunned. Floored, even! Why would someone envy him? How is he a strong individual when he amounts to nothing more than a tool to be used by others? Yuudai must be confused! So confused that he was confident his words!

“Yuudai Akimura. I think you either misunderstand or overestimate me. I’d be happy to indulge you if that’s what you wish. What would you like to go do right now?”

[primejapanmika]

Bad Influences | Chapter 2 | CLOSED For Shinpei

[cagedbyrd]

Mika relaxed slowly, nodding as he seemed to be thinking her proposal over. Good, good. If he put his mind to it, then surely he could ask her something personal! She braced herself, ready to reciprocate, when-

“O-Oh… That’s it?”

She blinked, crossing her arms and averting her gaze.

“The goal? I… I dunno. And I don’t really care. What bugs me more is what they were saying about new employers, and how willingly they kept this going despite that. Feels like we’ve been conned, yea? The goal changed since we got here, yea?”

Suddenly her pout returned.

“But that’s not important right now! I told you to ask something about me! Like, personal stuff! Not this!”

Mika’s response was definitely not what he was expecting. She answered his question, yes, but it wasn’t much of an answer. Did the publicist really not care? True, it seems that the original intent may have changed, but the experiment is still proceeding as planned it seems. If that’s the case, then did anything actually change?

Shinpei was caught off guard with that pout. Looks like he messed up again. He remembered back to the trial and how disappointed everyone was in him. This was similar... but also not? It was confusing. Girls are confusing. Shinpei is confused. Still, he’s gotta try to please Mika if he could. After all, pleasing others is what he values most in life.

“Personal stuff....?”

The lad tapped at the side of his head with his index finger. Back to thinking. Eventually, another question popped into his mind.

“Hmm. What do you like most about yourself?”

[hashiiba-blog]

idk how to caption this other than thank u 

[cagedbyrd]

Restrained | Chapter 2 [Open]

[cagedbyrd]

Michi listened in return, though his eyes did focus on the water rather than his conversation partner. He enjoyed water, he decided. It was blue and easy to see. You knew what water was. Everyone did. The subject of his own vote was brought to his attention and it was replied to with a heavy shrug of pointed shoulders. The sculptor’s thick coat slid further down his shoulders as a result of the motion, but he allowed it. Fingers reached out to touch the ring around his neck once again, playing with it as he replied.

“Murder? Jesus you really went at me quick there, Scarf-chin. I’d be wounded if I actually gave that much of a shit. Which I don’t. I’m also not the killer, idiot….It… might have been…because I didn’t vote?”

He chuckled and finally faced the other with a relaxed hum.

“I mean. I really didn’t want to. So. I didn’t. Maybe not voting counted as a vote against myself or some shit? Or someone already hates my guts! And it’s only been a few short days of knowing everyone. Woe is meeee.”

He clutches his heart in fake distress, falling backwards dramatically until he’s laying on his back and staring up at the ceiling. There’s a pause and a sigh.

“I don’t wanna feel responsible if someone is guilty or innocent. The only one I wanna be responsible for is myself.”

Shinpei remained silent and had his eyes trained on Michi’s face. He followed along to every syllable he spoke. Now that the sculptor was on his back, Shinpei moved closer and leaned over his face so that he could speak to the other boy directly.

“That makes sense, but that might be unwise,” he said while adjusting his scarf somewhat. “You should vote. If you continue to not vote, you will most likely die.”

Shinpei stopped leaning over Michi and got to his feet. Now standing, he looked back out to the water.

“It is out of line for me to say, but I have high hopes for you Michi Fukai. I want you to succeed. If I may ask some of you... it would be to participate in this experiment.”

That may be alarming to hear, especially from the most mysterious person here, but Shinpei’s face didn’t indicate he was joking at all. He was completely serious right now. Of course, that’s not to say he wasn’t ever serious before.

[kanehoshii-blog]

イカサマ⇔カジノ| junpei | chapter 2 | attn: shinpei

[cagedbyrd]

Junpei huffs out a breath, feigning relief as he halfheartedly wipes his forehead.

“Whew. That’s good. But then… isn’t writing, just… you know, reading and then copying the characters?”

He shrugs, indicating once more how little he cares about everything, and then starts dealing the deck out between them. When he looks up, Shinpei is… making a face. Junpei squints at him for a moment. Had he said something funny? Was there a dead body in the corner that was starting to smell?

“…Uh? You look like I’m strangling you. Like in Star Wars. I find your lack of faith disturbing.”

Given the rather accurate Darth Vader voice he’s currently sporting, maybe Junpei’s talent wasn’t as ill-deserved as he sometimes made it sound. His face even quirks up into a slight smirk for a split-second as he experiences probably the first moment of fun he’s ever had in his life, and then he goes back to looking solemn as he finishes dealing.

“Eh? Seriously… it was a joke. I know it’s hard to tell when I don’t have eyes to hintingly wink with, but, like… compare worths however you want… things like that don’t matter to me at all. I don’t care.”

He pauses and shrugs minutely.

“If you’ve made it this far without it you probably don’t need it, honestly… more trouble than it’s worth. Eh– shouldn’t you know how to sign your name at least, though…”

The last part is said more to himself, and his face twists up a bit in the silence as he seemingly considers something. In the end, though, he frowns a bit and points at the cards.

“Anyway, just flip your top card over, and I’ll do the same… whoever has the lower value takes all the cards. The goal is to get rid of them all… see, easy, right.”

If writing were that easy, surely everyone would have perfect handwriting. Unfortunately, Shinpei’s fine motor skills just suck. Not only do his fine motor skills lack, he also lacks a good sense of humour. The Star Wars joke went completely over his head. He’s never heard nor seen it. Sorry Junpei.

Anyway, Shinpei wasn't sure what exactly Junpei was expecting responses to. Was it just him, or did Junpei give off a vibe of not caring all that much? Hmph. Well, he will try his best to mention anything that Junpei would like some sort of reaction or reply to. He had talked about a joke - he'll start there!

“A joke? Hmm.” Shinpei looked to the side as if he were pondering the entire idea of what a joke is. "Your eyes-"

Though, his attention was refocused back on the cards in front of him as Junpei pointed to them. It would seem he had cut him off from saying everything he had to say! Shinpei just committed a terrible sin! If Junpei were to strike him down for such a dishonorable act, Shinpei would gladly accept any due punishment!

With hesitation and caution, Shinpei flips over his top card and places it in the space between them. It was a six of spades.

“Oh? Please remind me what you said this game was called. War, right? Is war not synonymous with conquer? Is the goal truly not to obtain all the cards? Maybe... my understanding of war is wrong...”

The lad then looked off to the side. He was uncomfortable now. Should he bring up his disgrace? Or would it be more disgraceful to talk about himself? Oh this was terribly frustrating!

[hashiiba-blog]

chtwo | falter/alter | yuudai & shinpei

[cagedbyrd]

“Shizukana-kun!”

The male’s voice was as loud as ever, but perhaps more so when calling out to the enigmatic other. It had been a few days since he’s been in contact with him, and he knows he shouldn’t be like this– not especially after what happened at the trial.

Now that they were all in the same place again due to the punishments they were all given, ( he supposes the bracelets were also an incentive for murder in a way ) it made it a lot more convenient for him. He swallowed any hesitance and approached the other.

“You don’t need to tell me what forbidden action is on your band, but I just wanted to check up on you. It’s been a while, yeah?”

He tries to say it somewhat casually, but he’s well aware there’s a worried tone to it– which, by all accords, was not good.

“Ahahahaaa… I was gonna ask if you wanted to hang out again, y'know, do something together! Have fun! Ignore things! That kinda stuff. Guess I gotta ask if you still remember me though. Lots of things seem to have been tossed your way lately if I’m to judge anything!”

Shinpei turned his head slowly to see who had called his name. It’s Akimura-san. Shinpei listened carefully to what the other had to say to him while he approached. Whether it’s for better or worse, the worried tone was lost on him as he didn’t recognize it.

After Yuudai seemed to be done talking, the pause between someone talking and Shinpei beginning continued it’s trend. As always, he eventually formulates a response.

“Akimura-kun,” Shinpei made note to use the same honorific when addressing the other male. “If you ever want me to do anything for you, do know that I am always available to help you.”

Shinpei tilted his head grabbed at his scarf with one hand. He couldn’t help but notice Yuudai was acting a little strange. Was he scaring him? Was Yuudai embarrassed to be seen with him.

“Hmmm. I do not know if a lot of things have been tossed my way. You are welcome to judge however you like. Your opinions are your own. I will not express any influence over your own thoughts and feelings. I am-”

He pauses. His mouth remained open, ready to complete the sentence he had started to say. But his voice stopped! With no words coming out, he shut his mouth and gave a dismissive look to his.... friend? Whatever he was going to say, he suddenly didn’t want to for some reason.

[kanehoshii-blog]

イカサマ⇔カジノ| junpei | chapter 2 | attn: shinpei

[cagedbyrd]

Junpei’s at least gratified to see Shinpei take an actual seat, though the other boy’s easy compliance to the suggestion weirds him out just a little. He’d been like that in the trial too, hadn’t he? Weird.

“Ehh… are you a robot or something? Who doesn’t learn how to write… do you, like, want to learn, or are you just gonna stick like this…”

He pauses, realizing that he sounds like he’s just offered his own help with writing.

“…Not that I care either way. Just wondering.”

Now, back to games. Junpei wonders if he gives off the impression that he actually does athletic things in his spare time, given Shinpei’s suggestions.

“…Alright, well, those both involve running around, so they’re just not going to happen with me. Ergh… how about I just show you how to play War or something. It’s easy–”

He waves the cards around a bit before another realization strikes him and he squints at Shinpei a bit, not that anyone’d be able to tell.

“…You can read, right? Or did you not learn that either. I guess cards have the symbols on them, but…”

Shinpei nodded his head. This peer had a lot of questions. Well, only four questions it seems. Still, that’s a lot of talking Shinpei is going to have to endure just provide the information he asked for.

“Do not worry about my ability to read, Wakatsuki-san. I may not know how to write, but I do know how to read.”

As for the game, War, if Junpei wants to show him how to play, that’s on him. Shinpei didn’t care and he didn’t want to imply that he’d like to learn. Junpei might feel obligated to show him if he did. Not that he was going to touch on that subject in the first place, Shinpei had other questions to still answer.

Time to dress the robot thing, which he is guessing is due to his facial expression. In an attempt to prove a point to him, Shinpei tried to show some sort of emotion. But it was more of a weird face if anything.

“I am no robot. I am just like you-- or maybe not. My apologies for comparing my worth to yours.” Shinpei bowed his head to show he acknowledges his mistake. “If it wasn’t clear already, I am an example of someone who doesn’t learn how to write. Writing is a valuable skill. I would be humbled to learn how to, but I know that would only burden someone with the task of teaching me. I can make do without writing.”

[cagedbyrd]

Restrained | Chapter 2 [Open]

[cagedbyrd]

The apology for apologizing was met with a deadpan, ‘are you kidding me’ sort of stare. Michi held the other’s gaze for as long as physically possible with that single look of disbelieving annoyance that he felt his own eyes slowly begin to dry out from the lack of bilnking he was offering as a sassy retort. When he did move them, however, he made sure to roll his eyes as hard as physically possible.

“I don’t get you at all, Scarf-chin! You’re weird, weird, weird.”

Michi leaned back on the palms of his hands, looking up absently as the other talked to add to his theories. Shutting his eyes, Michi entertained the concept. Being brainwashed by aliens…Sounded like something out of a science fiction novel.

“I feel like aliens would be too cool to brainwash us…That sounds like a uniquely human thing to do. Kind of disgusting when you really put your mind to it.”

He draws himself into a ball and picks lightly at the top of his hand, adding on absently.

“It’s better to think that then….to think I agreed to some shit like this willingly though…Cause…What the hell would make any of us agree to something like this? With the murder and the trial and the-eugh. Disgusting! Oh, speaking of trial-”

His gaze turned to hold Shinpei’s with a wry, curious sort of smile.

“I remember you got run through on that last one, fufufu! Sucks having everyone snap at you, huh?”

Shinpei fixed his posture so that he was sitting as properly as one could on the floor. He listened to everything Michi had to say. From him commenting on his personality to aliens to the experiment and finally to the trial.

All he could do was sigh. Because of what happened, he had expected the trial to be brought up in any conversations he had.

“The trial... it was definitely rough. If only I were better equipped or had someone to choose the words for me to say would it have been easier.”

Shinpei then looked up to the ceiling. He wasn’t looking at anything in particular, just the staring into the distance.

“Though I did something right. I managed to not receive a single vote. If I’m remembering correctly, you did receive a vote. I wonder why.” Looking back to Michi with a tilted head, “Were you the culprit?”

[primejapanmika]

Bad Influences | Chapter 2 | CLOSED For Shinpei

[cagedbyrd]

Mika’s eyes widened when she saw him smile. What a shock! What a twist! He… has a really handsome smile! Woah!!! She almost let out a gasp of wonder at the sight. Scratching the back of her head, she looked away.

“U-Uh… O-Of course I’m gonna, dummy… I don’t want anyone telling you to do anything bad, y'know…”

Oh, is that why she’s here? If it is, tell her. Even she doesn’t know at this point. But she collects herself in time to listen to his more subdued answers. He seems to always take such a vague, emotionless tone a majority of the time. That smile was such a pleasant change in his demeanor, that, well… she kinda wanted to ask. But she felt like she should let it be for now. Pressing too deeply might be bad.

“That’s… W-Well, I hope they care about your feelings… Everyone deserves that in their lives. Even you. If they don’t, then well, they’re… they’re…”

“They’re deadbeat!”

She thrusts her arms at the ground to emphasize the point. Relaxing, she looked away for a moment. What should she say next? Prying too much would be bad, but… Oh yeah, there we go!

“Umm… How about you ask me something! Whatever’s on your mind about me… Since I asked something personal about you, it’s only fair, right? Whaddya wanna know?”

Shinpei’s eyes followed Mika’s arms as she thrusted them to the ground. He wasn’t sure what that was for, but perhaps it was to help her get her point across? Shouldn’t words just be enough? It’s not like Shinpei would use his body language to help convey his thoughts. One must simply choose the correct phrasing!

The boy tapped at his chin as he thought up an appropriate response for her. He didn’t really have anything to say to anything she said before she asked him to ask her something. They were her thoughts on the matter and he didn’t have a comment to make about them anyway.

Finally, he put his finger back down once he thought of a sufficient question to ask her.

“I... guess it would be fair. There isn’t much on my mind at all besides what I am always thinking about.”

Shinpei sighed and tilted his head, examining the girl. Maybe he didn’t actually think of a sufficient question. He seemed to be pondering once again.

“Hmmm. What do you think the goal of the experiment is?”

[cagedbyrd]

Corrections | Chapter 2 [Lowell]

[cagedbyrd]

Lowell was flabbergasted how calmly Shinpei reacted to this situation - from simply saying his name to admitting that he hadn’t been aware of where he was going. He… spaced out a lot, didn’t he? Otherwise, Lowell wouldn’t be able to work out how someone nearly walked into the wrong locker room.

(His hand was cold.)

For a few moments, he was unable to say anything in response, before he mentally pushed himself to get a grip.

“S-Sheesh, you really sc– took me by surprise there, Shizukana. You oughta pay more attention to your surroundings. Ain’t always gonna be there to stop you from walking into trouble.”

Either way, he finally let go of the other’s arm, as Shinpei wouldn’t attempt to walk down this path any further (and if fate proved him wrong, then he’d shut himself in his room and scream as much as he could). It would be just awkward to hang onto him for no good reason…

(Now if only this stupid blush would go away–)

And naturally, Shinpei just had to point this out. Granted, he took it the wrong way and was actually concerned for him, but– man, didn’t he like to seem vulnerable in any way! He couldn’t be vulnerable, he was a strong man! No room for any weaknesses whatsoever!

“Wh– No, I’m not sick! It’s just– I just feel a bit… hot. Yeah, that’s it! Might be a good idea to unzip my jacket for a bit, huh?”

And as soon as these words left his lips, did he do what he said - unzipping his jacket. Underneath, there was a black shirt with a lion motive on it - of course.

“But man, you really oughta stop letting people use you like a servant or whatever! I mean– You already saw what can happen if you do that, right? The trial, I mean.”

The last sentence was only added quickly, because Lowell wasn’t sure if Shinpei would’ve gotten that subtle hint otherwise. It’s not like as if he wanted for Shinpei to stop being kind to others, but what he did went far beyond that.

Silence. After Lowell had mentioned the trial, Shinpei was silent. It’s not that he didn’t have anything to say or that he was offended by it and stopped talking, he just thought he would elaborate further. When Shinpei noticed this wasn’t the case, he nodded his head.

“Hmm. Let me respond to everything in the order you said them. Firstly, you are correct. You won’t always be there to stop me from walking into trouble. There has and will be plenty of times when I am alone. So like you said, I will be make note to pay better attention to my surroundings.”

Shinpei sighed. Thinking about loneliness, there was a pained sound in his voice. At least that’s over with. Moving onto the next subject.

“I do not know if I can stop. I only feel content when people think me useful. Becoming a servant, a slave, or even a tool, is what I must give in order to be useful. I made the sacrifice and dedicated myself to such a cause for as long as I can remember.”

“The trial was... disheartening. Still, I did my best. My best wasn’t good enough so I will strive to do better here on out.”

The boy then kneeled on the floor and kept his head down. It was like a knight giving a message to the king.

“Use me as you like, Lowell de Gloria. It is probably inappropriate for me to say, but I’d be happier to be useful to you than some of our other peers. You have always shown me kindness.”

[cagedbyrd]

Though Shinpei may give everyone the same nonchalant treatment, he does have a fondness for Lowell de Gloria and Rui Hokusai!

[ Art credit belongs to this lovely tumblr user! I recommend commissioning them if you’re in the market! ]

[cagedbyrd]

Odd One Out | Chapter 2 [Hise & Rui A]

[cagedbyrd]

After some time, Rui collected Hise from his room and coaxed him to the new floor that had opened up to the students. They appeared to have returned to form, at least outwardly, but didn’t seem to be as concerned with announcing their presence to a room. Right now, they stayed silent and sulky more than anything.

This break room held some promise to be not a completely boring waste of their time, though, at least until Rui lifted their head and noticed the presence of one of the students they might have hated the most.

“…”

“Don’t speak to me unless you have something useful to say,” they settled on, and turned away from him with their arms crossed tight over their chest.

They were poised to give him the verbal lashing of his pathetic life, but exhaled and looked to their fiance as if expecting guidance. Keep them under control, Hise…

Hise still looked a little glum, but overall, he seemed to have gotten a bit better than the day of the mistrial. As such, it didn’t take too much to convince him to accompany his fiance to take a look around the new floor. He stuck close to them, but not in a manner that was clingy.

As they entered the break room, Hise immediately saw a familiar face. Shinpei Shizukana. The one who caused so much trouble for them at the trial. Hise furrowed his brow slightly. His ears… Failed to detect them? Even the most old fashioned and fancy speaking museum patron didn’t speak that way. Shinpei certainly was an odd one, wasn’t he.

He stood beside them silently as Rui addressed Shinpei, frowning slightly as they spoke harshly towards the soft spoken boy. I mean, Hise himself couldn’t really… Feel that he was fond of Shinpei himself, but he couldn’t feel angry with him at the same time. Honestly, this boy was some kind of mess… But in the least, Hise felt that Rui’s words could’ve been… Worse? So he supposed that that was good at least. Glancing over at Rui, Hise’s gaze softened slightly before he let out a sigh and shook his head.

“If you say that, knowing Shizukana-san, he’s just going to stay silent, isn’t he…”

He made a pun. With such a straight face too. But internally, Hise found it quite humorous… Perhaps the others would laugh, maybe this might lighten the mood? Either way, Hise then turned his attention to Shinpei, his gaze flicked from the other boy’s face to his scarf, and then back.

“We were just… Taking a look around this new area. Were you doing something just now, Shizukana-san?”

Hise looked over towards the pool table behind Shinpei.

“Playing billiards? Or perhaps, 9-ball?”

Hise turned to Rui for a moment, smiling sheepishly before going towards the cue stick rack. He knew that Rui disliked Shinpei for what he did during the trial. But Hise at least hoped his fiancé might understand what it was he wanted to do. Even after the trial, Shinpei remained a complete mystery. And though asking him upright might not yield an answer, doing so casually might be a better approach… Honestly, Hise disliked doing things with a hidden motive. So for now, even if he didn’t learn anything substantial, perhaps he could come to understand Shinpei as a person better.

Taking one pole from the rack, Hise held it out towards Shinpei.

“Maybe we could play a game? It’s alright if you don’t know, we could just see who hits in the most balls, how’s that?”

Taking another one, he offered it to Rui.

“I think it might be fun.”

After all, that’s what they came up here for in the first place, right? It was probably more than for just that, but Hise didn’t mind a small break every once in a while.

Well, a certain individual seemed to hold some hostility towards him. Shinpei moved his scarf up over his mouth. This would help him make sure not to talk, just Rui had requested. Unfortunately, Shinpei doesn’t ever think he has anything useful to say. So silence it is, which he doesn’t mind in the slightest.

Though, now what does Shinpei do with Hise asking something else from him? (For the record, Shinpei didn't pick up on the pun at all). For the time being he remained silent.

He did take the cue stick that Hise handed him. He held it with both hands awkwardly, revealing that he’s never used one before.

“.....No,” he finally said deciding that it’d be more rude of him to ignore Hise than it is for him to talk when Rui told him not to. “I wasn’t doing anything before the two of you arrived.”

Shinpei looked to the pool table. His eyes reading the number on each individual ball before he spoke up once again.

“I do not know how to play. I am willing to try anything if you’d like me to.”

[kanehoshii-blog]

イカサマ⇔カジノ| junpei | chapter 2 | attn: shinpei

[cagedbyrd]

Junpei wasn’t sure how he felt talking to Shinpei– on one hand, it was questionable what sort of part the other boy had played in the previous murder, but on the other hand, Junpei hadn’t really cared much about the previous murder at all. Why should he have? He figured it was easier just to be his usual level of impassive about everyone instead of hostile, especially when he didn’t know what had actually happened and when everyone else would probably be hostile in his stead.

“How’s that even work, huh… like… you just never learned? How’d you get through school? I bet people were jealous if you didn’t have to write for exams…”

He himself was some sort of monster that actually didn’t mind the monotony of schoolwork, but he didn’t have to say that.

At the long pause, Junpei just sort of… stares. Or one could assume he was staring.

“…………………………………Alright, I love a long silence as much as the next guy, but I’d like to not die of old age before this conversation is over… better for someone to kill me first, if that’s the case. What kind of games do you know how to play? Cards isn’t, like… hard… you know, Go Fish?”

Junpei makes a half-assed sort of… fish-swimming motion with his hands. Honestly, he’d thought he himself was a sad guy, but he was really being upstaged here!

“….And there’s a beanbag right there, unless the floor is comfortable… not that I care where you sit…”

Although Junpei’s eyes were effectively hidden at all times, it truly was like Shinpei had him beat in the sad, blank look. Despite the other boy’s admittance of not caring where he sits, Shinpei grabbed the beanbag chair that he pointed out and dragged it over so he could sit where he was - but on the chair instead of the floor this time! Honestly, Junpei wouldn’t have mentioned it if he didn’t want him to sit in it... right? Was Junpei lying just to upkeep a persona?

“Correct. I never learned how to write. I.... always had someone else do the writing for me when it was necessary.”

Shinpei nodded to himself, as if assuring himself that he’s saying stuff correctly. At the trial, he had chosen the wrong words it seems. But then again, Shinpei still couldn’t grasp why his ability to write mattered so much. Moving on.

“Games.... I know.... tag.” Shinpei put a hand to his chin. “I also know.... freeze tag.”

Shinpei then looked up at Junpei. This was his way of saying that’s all he knew.

[cagedbyrd]

Restrained | Chapter 2 [Open]

[cagedbyrd]

If Michi was bothered by the other or had any reason to dislike him through the trial, he didn’t show it. He remained as relaxed and fidgety as he always was around anyone. Michi twirled his fingers and bit his lip in his usual fashion, reaching out at last with a finger and touching the water, disturbing the surface and sending more ripples against the already shifting waves.

The other’s words causes Michi to make a face of annoyance.

“Don’t apologize like that. You sound like a robot. It’s creepy as fuuuuuuck. I don’t want you to find solace in being drowned, buddy. So, uh, don’t do that near me alright?”

He flicks Shinpei’s side with a pout and huffs like a child.

“If I don’t remember it, it didn’t happen. That’s what I think. Or we’ve been brainwashed! What if we don’t even remember how to draw our signature’s correctly? What if-GASP-”

He holds his hands to his face dramatically.

“What if we’re on an alien SPACESHIP? THE ALIENS ARE BRAINWASHING US, SCARF-CHIN.”

Creepy as fuuuuuuck? This is a word that Shinpei is unfamiliar worth. It sounds vaguely like a swear word, but Shinpei wouldn’t inquire about that. He’s an innocent child who would never say a bad word!

Shinpei simply looks at his side where Michi had flicked him. He wasn’t sure how he was suppose to react to that interaction. So he went with the safe bet of what he always does; keep his mouth shut and stare blankly.

He pointed to himself, unsure if he was Scarf-chin. Regardless, Michi was clearly expecting him to say something and Shinpei wouldn’t want to not meet his expectations.

“My apologies. I will do my best to not apologize so much. As you requested, I shall find solace in drowning while you aren’t around.”

Shinpei nodded his head as if to let the other boy know that he would try to pull through on these tasks that he was assigned - or assumed he was assigned, anyway.

“I cannot dispute your theory. We may very well be on an alien spaceship. We may very well even be brainwashed.”

[primejapanmika]

Bad Influences | Chapter 2 | CLOSED For Shinpei

[cagedbyrd]

Mika blinked, unsure of what to do with herself when he just… bowed. Just like that, he bowed. What the heck. Why is he bowing? Why is he saying all this? What an incomprehensible boy. But still…

“But that’s exactly why I’m worried.”

She’s cut off by his next answer, realizing that he mistrued her comment as a question to him. Almost as if he was a blank robot, just here to accept queries and provide answers. She couldn’t shake that notion.

“N-No, not about that, and not from you, it’s… uh…”

Stammering, she rubbed her neck.

“No one should be outside concern, you know. Even the worst people I’ve met all had someone who thought the world of them. And you seem far better than any of them.”

She looked away, rubbing the side of her head awkwardly.

“So, uh… Do you have someone who cares about you? Who looks after you? Eh…”

Well that got far deeper than she ever intended.

Shinpei remained silent. Waiting to let Mika say all that she wanted to say before he spoke up. Once Mika had said everything she wanted for the time being, he still kept silent.

Shinpei put a hand to his chin briefly to think. It was only for a moment until he put his hand back down at his side. Looks like he’s ready to answer her, he even gave her.... a smile?! What’s this?!

“You still worry even after I told you it was unnecessary. You are.... caring, Aso-san. I am humbled by it.”

He pulled at his scarf, his smile fading away in an instant.

“I’ve no good comment in regards to the care of other people, but I can answer your question about me.”

With a hand placed over his chest, Shinpei let out a heavy sigh. Mika was inquiring about some deep and personal information which he wasn’t sure he should even share. Still, it’s not something that necessarily needs to be a secret.

“There is... one person who looks out for me. Whether they care about my feelings or not, I cannot say. It is my hope that this answer satisfies your curiosity.”

[cagedbyrd]

Restrained | Chapter 2 [Open]

[cagedbyrd]

Michi was never fond of swimming. He learned, certainly, but the water was unpleasant. It stuck to his skin. It burned the scars on his body. It was generally a bad time. The events of the trail had not left him up to much exploration with or without others. He could only slink around and find places to hide his presence, keep himself away from others lest they do something absolutely disgusting. LIke TALKING to him. He was not an extrovert. Everything here had left him drained.

A hopeful solace from the pool was only a disappointment, however, when another figure revealed itself at the edge of the water. Great. Someone was already here. Michi wondered what he was staring at. Was he having a Lion King moment? He lives in you, Simba….

Growing closer to investigate, the words the other spoke hadn’t much crossed the tired sculptor’s mind. Now that he said them, however, there was a very strong urge to try just that. Next time, maybe…maybe next time, yeah. He had already said that he couldn’t swim, after all. Michi had no intention of drowning a sap like this anytime soon….Anytime soon.

Instead he contented himself with sitting directly at his side. Flopping over, he crossed his legs under him and leaned forward, looking into the water where the other stood, tilting his head at his reflection. His many scars danced in the ripples.

“Such a morbid fellow! What, do you want to die after all of that gobbledy-gook? What a disgusting train of thought you have! To think little ol’ me would drown a person!”

Michi snickered as one hand reached up to play with the ring around his neck, spinning it between index and thumb as he hummed.

“I don’t even want to be a part of this experiment, ya know. I’m boycotting it by refusing to participate, so, no death by drowning from me.”

Shinpei gaze drifted to his side just to see who exactly it was that had joined him. It was... Michi Fukai, the SHSL Sculptor. Shinpei hadn’t talked to him until the trial. Really, that’s a terrible place to have a first conversation. Especially since the conversation was negatively directed in his direction. Oh well, it is what it is. Shinpei sat down next to the scarred boy.

“My words have been misleading. I do not wish to die... but I find solace in being used to help improve another’s life. I apologize for the misunderstanding.”

Shinpei did as Michi did and leaned forward to see his reflection on the water’s surface. Was that how he looked? The complete same...

“I will not stop you from boycotting. I am against the notion, however. You have already.... agreed to participate.” Shinpei then turned his head to look at Michi’s. “I’d also rather not see what results from someone boycotting this experiment.”